Cord lock and adjustable securing device

ABSTRACT

A frictional cord lock for use in locking one portion of a single length of cord relative to another. A first embodiment includes a cylindrical, barrel-shaped member having a cylindrical wall substantially surrounding a longitudinal axis, has a first cord end fixed in one opening in the cord lock. Second and third tear-drop shaped openings lie along a common axis that forms an angle with the longitudinal axis and receive a second portion of the cord, the first opening lying vertically between said the second and third openings. The cord slides freely in second and third openings when pulled along their common axis but locks when subjected to non-axial forces. The non-axial forces pull the cord into the v-shaped portion of the openings pinching the cord and securing them in place. A second embodiment employs a generally horizontal v-shaped channel to lock the cord in place. A third embodiment has an open side enabling the cord to be easily threaded into the lock and uses a serrated, slidable wedge lock to effect positive locking, while a fourth embodiment utilizes a rotational locking ring with serrated portions to engage the cord and provide non-slip adjusted locking.

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. applicationSer. No. 09/409826 filed Oct. 1, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,279,205.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention is directed to a device for adjustablylocking a position of a cord. More particularly, the present inventionis directed to an improved cord lock for use in adjustably securing thesize of a loop, and the like. Further, it is a feature of the presentinvention to provide an adjustable length cord for use in a variety ofapplications. Additionally, a ring lock is provided for cylindricalconfigurations and a slide lock for non-cylindrical applications, eachof which will afford non-slip locking of the cord. This application isrelated to an application entitled Cord Lock which is filedcontemporaneously herewith.

[0003] Locking devices for cords are generally complicated and difficultto operate. A number of these devices involve a biasing spring whichcauses coacting halyes of an opening or of aligned openings to bite theedges of a cord to lock it against movement. The spring is subject torust and fatigue resulting in failure of the lock.

[0004] The present invention provides an improved cord lock in which thetension on the cord shifts a portion of it into a v-shaped portion ofthe locking device securing the lock to the cord preventing relativemovement therebetween. In addition, it is an aspect of the presentinventino to provide an adjustable length cord which utilizes the cordlock. This adjustable length cord enables any of a number of items to besecured and/or interconnected.

[0005] In a first embodiment, the cord lock of the present inventionemploys teardrop shaped openings or engagement areas in a generallycylindrical body, the openings being arranged such that when the cord isunder tension, it will be pulled into the v-shaped portion of theopening and be frictionally clamped thereby. A second embodiment isconfigured as an open-sided cord lock into which the cord strand may beeasily woven into engagement. In addition, a slide lock is shown forpositive locking of the position of the cord in non-cylindrically shapedlocking devices.

[0006] A third embodiment of cord lock employs a generally horizontalv-shaped channel to enhance the gripping of the cord and enablesadjustment of both ends of the cord to produce the desired length. Afourth embodiment uses a locking ring which can be rotated about theperiphery of the cylindrical cord lock between a cord engaging/lockingposition and a non-engaging adjustment position to engage both theincoming and the outgoing strands and positively lock them againstmovement. An alternative of this fourth embodiment uses two separatelocking rings to permit the incoming and outgoing strands to be lockedindividually.

[0007] Various other features, advantages and characteristics of thepresent invention will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in theart after a reading of the following specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The preferred embodiment(s) of the present invention is/aredescribed in conjunction with the associated drawings in which likefeatures are indicated with like reference numerals and in which

[0009]FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a first embodiment of thecord lock of the present invention;

[0010]FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional end view showing the first embodiment;

[0011]FIG. 3 is a top view of a first embodiment of the cord lock of thepresent invention;

[0012]FIG. 4A is a schematic depiction of one possible use of the cordlock of the present invention;

[0013]FIG. 4B is a schematic drawing showing the orientation of the lockduring adjustment;

[0014]FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional side view of a second embodiment ofthe cord lock of the present invention;

[0015]FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional end view of the embodiment of FIG. 5Aas seen along line 5B-5B.

[0016]FIG. 6A is a side view of a third embodiment of the cord lock ofthe present invention,

[0017]FIG. 6B is an end view of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 6A;

[0018]FIG. 7A is a top view of a fourth embodiment of the cord lock ofthe present invention with the cord broken away for clarity;

[0019]FIG. 7B is a top view of the locking ring used in the FIG. 7Aembodiment;

[0020]FIG. 7C is a variation of the fourth embodiment with an alternatelocking means;

[0021]FIG. 8A is a top view of a fifth embodiment of the cord lock ofthe present invention particularly useful with cords of indefinitelength;

[0022]FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional side view of the fifth embodiment;and

[0023]FIG. 8C is a top view of the elongated member of the fifthembodiment of the cord lock with the cord removed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] A first embodiment of the cord lock of the present invention isdepicted in FIG. 1-4B generally at 20 a. The term “cord” as it is useduniformly throughout the specification, includes cords of all diametersand materials, including bungee cords and ropes and will be dimensionedto accommodate the particular cord with which it is used. Cord 11 a is asingle length of cord (FIG. 4A). Cord lock 20 a has a generallycylindrical body 22 a with a first closed end 26 a having a firstopening 24 a therein. Opening 24 a receives first end 13 a of first cordportion 17 a and a preferably metallic element 28 a is crimped thereonto secure first end 13 a in cylindrical body 22 a. Cylindrical body 22 ais hollow and second end portion 34 a is capped by element 35 a.Openings 32 a and 36 a are teardrop shaped (FIG. 3) and the non-axialtension forces of cord lengths 16 a and 19 a result in the cord portion15 a being drawn into v-shaped areas 33 a and 37 a effecting a pinchingof cord portion 15 a enhancing the frictional resistance to movement ofthe cord and, hence, providing secure locking.

[0025]FIGS. 4A and 4B also depict one use of the cord lock 20 a of thepresent invention. Fixed length cords are seldom the right length.Generally, they are either too long or too short. In this application,the cord 1 a is equipped with a first hook 21 a attached to end 25 a ofcord 1 a. Second hook 23 a is mounted to slide freely along loop 14 a.Hook 21 a can be connected to a first article and hook 23 a to a secondarticle and lock 20 a adjusted to provide the proper length of cord 11 ato effect the desired connection. Alternatively, hooks 21 a and 23 a mayengage each other around an article and lock 20 a adjusted to providethe overall desired length. As yet another possibility, hook 21 a can beslipped aside and loop 14 a used to surround an article with hook 23 asecured to another article. As seen in FIG. 4B, to adjust the locationof lock 20 a, the tension in cord 17 a is relieved and the cord portion19 a is pulled axially in the direction of arrow A through openings 32 aand 36 a to move it to another position. When the non-axial forces arereinstated in cord portions 16 a and 17 a, the ends of cord section 15 awill be pulled laterally into v-shaped portions 33 a and 37 a (FIG. 3)locking them against relative movement.

[0026] A second embodiment of the lock of the present invention isdepicted in FIGS. 5A and 5B generally at 20 b. First opening 24 b isformed in first end region 26 b, while second opening 32 b is formed insecond end region 34 b. Third opening 36 b extends substantially over{fraction (1/2)} the length of the bottom of lock 20 b. This permits theend 13 b to be wound about block 38 b. This block has a v-shaped groove39 b (FIG. 5B) extending about its inward periphery. As the cord portion17 b is tensioned, cord 13 b is pulled into groove 39 b pinching andsecuring it in place. Opening 32 b in end portion 34 b is teardropshaped with v-shaped regions 33 b and elongated opening 36 b has av-shaped region 37 b. V-shaped regions 33 b and 37 b will receive theends of tensioned cord portion 15 b pinching them and securing themagainst movement. This embodiment 20 b permits both ends 13 b and 16 bto be adjusted in lock 20 b providing the system with additionalflexibility.

[0027] A third embodiment is depicted in FIG. 6A and 6B generally at 20c. In this embodiment, although peripheral wall 22 c substantiallysurrounds the longitudinal axis of lock 20 c, one side 27 c of the lock20 c is open. This enables ends 13 c and 16 c of cord 11 c to be woveninto the lock 20 c easily. V-shaped grooves 40 c, 44 c, and 48 c inquadrant portions 42 c, 46 c and 50 c respectively, will retain cord 11c against undesired removal through the side 27 c. Tapered wedge lock 51c has a pin on its lower surface (not shown) which slides in slot 57 c.Sides 53 c and 55 c of wedge lock 51 c are serrated and, when engagedwith cord portions 13 c and 16 c, will provide positive lockingengagement. As with the previous embodiment, lock 20 c permits both endsto be adjusted to provide the desired configuration and the v-shapedgrooves 40 c, 44 c, and 48 c will pinch the cord 1 c retaining it untiladjustment is desired. To adjust one or both ends 13 c and 16 c, wedgelock 51 c is slid back in slot 57 c into pocket 59 c, cord 11 cadjusted, and wedge lock 51 c re-engaged.

[0028] A fourth embodiment is depicted in FIGS. 7A generally at 20 d.Cord lock 20 d has first opening means 24 d comprised of first (52 d)and second (54 d) teardrop shaped openings in first end portion 26 d toreceive first end 13 d of the cord. Second opening means 39 d iscomprised of a teardrop shaped openings 32 d and 36 d through whichsecond cord portion 15 d extends. Annular locking ring 60 d surroundsbarrel-shaped member 20 d and is maintained in a fixed axial positionrelative thereto by lugs 58 d, or the like. It will be appreciated thata variety of other known devices could be used to secure locking ring 60d in position. Locking ring 60 d can be flexed (out of round) in orderto slide it over lugs 58 d. Locking ring 60 d has two identicalsemi-annular portions, so one will be described. A recess 62 d is formedin locking ring 60 d to provide a disengaged position so that cord lidcan be adjusted. A serrated region 64 d extends between recess 62 d andthe full width 66 d of locking ring 60 d. The exterior of locking ring60 d has knurled portions 68 d to facilitate gripping and rotation. Byrotating locking ring 60 d to where recesses 62 d align with cordportions 13 d and 16 d, both ends of cord 11 d can be adjusted toprovide the desired configuration. Once the desired position isobtained, cord lid can be tensioned and locking ring 60 d rotated tobring serrated regions 64 d into contact with cord portions 13 d and 16d locking them against movement. Tensioning the cord prior to lockingcould prove important since this will reduce the diameter of portions 13d and 16 d; if done after the locking ring 60 d is adjusted it couldpotentially loosen the grip of locking ring 60 d.

[0029] In certain applications, it was found to be potentiallybeneficial to be able to separately adjust the positions of cordportions 13 and 16. Accordingly, as seen in FIG. 7C, a modification ofthe fourth embodiment is provided in which two separate locking rings 60e and 61 e are provided to permit the cord portion 13 e to be positionedand tensioned before locking ring 60 e is secured and cord portion 16 eto be positioned and tensioned before locking ring 61 e is secured. Lugs58 e engage ring 60 e and lugs 59 e engage ring 61 e to prevent theirmovement outwardly. Spacer lugs (not shown) may be utilized to keep therings 60 e and 61 e from touching so that the locking rotation of onedoes not effect the position of the other.

[0030] The use of this fourth embodiment becomes problematic with theuse of a long rope or one where the second end is attached (e.g., therope is fed from a coil). Accordingly, the embodiment 20 f shown inFIGS. 8A-C has a laterally extending slot 70 f that permits the cord 11to be doubled on itself and pushed through slot 70 f. The loop whichprotrudes out the far side is twisted and passed around the first end 26f of elongated member 22 f and seated in annular groove 72 f. As seen inFIG. 8B, this will result in cord portion 13 f impinging on cord portion13 f resulting in a locking of this first end of cord 11. The cordsections 16 f and 19 f are fed through teardrop shaped openings 32 f and36 f as in the fourth embodiment. Locking ring 60 f engages cord portion16 f forcing it into the v-shaped portion of opening 32 f securing itagainst axial movement.

[0031] Several embodiments of cord locks 20 have been disclosed. Eachlocking device relies on a v-shaped portion of the passage through whichthe cord passes to pinch the cord 11 as a result of forces acting in adirection which does not lie along the axis of the openings throughwhich the cord passes (non-axial forces). An adjustable length corddevice is also disclosed which uses any of these cord lock embodiments.A single length of cord 11 has one hook fixed to a first end and asecond slidable hook. The hooks can be used to engage to separateelements, can engage one another, or the slidable hook can be allowed todroop and the cord look defined by the cord lock 20 used to wrap an itemand the fixed hook 25 a used to secure the element to another article.The fifth embodiment is particularly adapted for use with indefinitelength cords or cords where the one end is unavailable.

[0032] Various changes, alternatives and modifications will becomeapparent to one of ordinary skill in the art following a reading of theforegoing specification. For example, by slightly modifying thesize/shape of the openings in the cylindrical elongated member, thelocking device could be made to function with straps, as well as cords.It is intended that any such changes, alternatives and modifications asfall within the scope of the appended claims be considered part of thepresent invention.

I claim:
 1. A cord lock comprising a) an elongated member having anouter peripheral wall substantially surrounding a longitudinal axis, afirst end portion, a second end portion opposite said first end portion,first, second, and third openings in said elongated member, said secondand third openings including a non-cylindrical cross-section whichincludes a v-shaped portion; b) said first opening comprising a slotextending laterally through said outer peripheral wall adjacent saidfirst end portion; c) an annular groove extending about said outerperipheral wall between said first end portion and said slot; d) a firstcord portion extending through said slot and being wrapped about saidouter peripheral wall to lie in said annular groove such that a firstpass of said first cord portion will impinge upon a second pass of saidfirst cord portion lying in said annular groove to lock said first cordportion against movement; e) a second cord portion engaging saidelongated member, the second cord portion extending through said secondand said third openings to adjustably define a size of a cord loopbetween the first and second cord portions; whereby the second cordportion will slide freely through said second and third openings whenthe cord is drawn axially there through but will be drawn laterally intosaid v-shaped portion of said second and third openings thereby lockingsaid second cord portion against axial movement when the ends of saidsecond cord portion are subjected to non-axial forces.
 2. The cord lockof claim 1 wherein said elongated member is a generally cylindricalbarrel-shaped member.
 3. The cord lock of claim 2 further comprising alocking ring secured about said barrel-shaped member against movementalong said longitudinal axis while permitting relative rotationalmovement, said locking ring having a recess therein which, when rotatedinto alignment with said second cord length, enable said second cordportion to be adjusted relative to said barrel-shaped member.
 4. Thecord lock of claim 1 wherein said second and third openings aregenerally tear-drop shaped openings arranged such that the non-axialforce causes an end of said second portion of said cord to be drawn intosaid v-shaped portion at one side of said tear-drop shaped openingeffectively pinching said second portion of said cord and locking it inposition.
 5. The cord lock of claim 1 further comprising a generallyhorizontally extending v-shaped channel, said v-shaped channel pinchingthe first cord portion to lock said cord in position when at least oneof the ends of the first cord portion is subjected to a non-axial force,rendering an effective length of said cord adjustable.
 6. The cord lockof claim 1 wherein said elongated member has an open side permitting thecord to be woven into said cord lock through said open side.
 7. A cordlock comprising a) an elongated member having a peripheral wallsubstantially surrounding a longitudinal axis, a first end portion, asecond end portion opposite said first end portion, first and secondopening means in said elongated member, said first and second openingmeans each including a non-cylindrical cross-section which includes av-shaped portion; b) a first cord portion engaging said elongated memberand extending through said first opening means; c) a second cord portionengaging said elongated member, the second cord portion extendingthrough said second opening means to adjustably define a size of a cordloop between the first and second cord portions; d) locking meansincluding a first element with serrated edges for engaging said firstcord portion and a second element with serrated edges for engaging saidsecond cord portion, said first and second elements being independentlyadjustable and securing each said first and second cord portion againstsignificant axial movement; whereby said first and second cord portionswill slide freely through said first and second opening means when thecord is drawn axially there through but will be drawn laterally intosaid v-shaped portion of said first and second opening means therebylocking said first and second cord portions, respectively, against axialmovement when the ends of said first and second cord portions aresubjected to non-axial forces.
 8. The cord lock of claim 7 wherein saidelongated member is generally barrel shaped and said locking meanscomprises a pair of locking rings which each encircle said elongatedmember.
 9. The cord lock of claim 8 wherein said barrel shaped memberhas first opening means extending through a first body portion of saidcord lock and a second opening means extending through a second bodyportion of said cord lock.
 10. The cord lock of claim 9 wherein saidfirst opening means comprises first and fourth openings and secondopening means comprises a second and third openings through which saidfirst and second cord portions respectively pass.
 11. The cord lock ofclaim 10 wherein each said annular ring has an aligned recess which canbe respectively rotated to positions adjacent said first and said secondcord portions where said respective locking ring is disengaged from itssaid cord portion and each of said first and said second cord portionscan be adjusted in said first and second opening means while said cordlock is disengaged.
 12. The cord lock of claim 10 wherein each openingcomprises a tear-drop shaped opening and each said locking ring has aserrated portion which, in locking position, engage its said respectivefirst and second cord portions and push them into v-shaped areas wheresaid first and said second cord portions are pinched, securing said cordportions against movement.